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Car buying is a very important and personal choice. Whether you're buying yourself or someone else, the idea of browsing a car lot and taking home the first thing that catches your eye can be daunting. We have compiled this list of car shopping tips to help make your experience as painless as possible!

- Remember that you should always test drive with an open mind. The more seats in your desired ride, the more you'll need to test drive.

- When purchasing new cars, do not just settle on something because there's no other option available and it's available on sale - these cars are usually less reliable than their rivals' counterparts and may require more expensive repairs down the line.

- Don't rush. Before you buy a car, take the time to really think about what it is that you want and why. Sit down with your family members to discuss which cars would be best for your situation. - It can be tempting to simply choose a car because it is the most expensive on the lot, but like most things in life, quality costs more than quantity. - On the subject of buying a new car, remember that used cars are often more reliable than new ones! Also, used cars come with a warranty and can sometimes be brought back to their original condition if they should ever go through hard times!

- Be realistic when making comparisons between different models of vehicles. If a model has passed its manufacturer's warranty, it is very likely that the car is in very good shape. Always keep in mind the cost of repairs ahead of time, as well as potential maintenance costs when it comes time to negotiate. - Even if you have absolutely nothing to compare a particular car to, there is no reason why you cannot take a look at magazines and online automotive databases at the dealership before making your purchase. Online resources like CarPages are great for researching and comparing the best used cars available.

- Before going on your test drive, make sure that all of your questions are answered by a salesperson or an associate. When you're on your test drive, make notes about the car's performance and overall condition. - Be aware of all costs involved in buying a car. Credit card interest rates can add up during your first year of owning a new vehicle. Also be aware of the actual cost of the vehicle once all taxes, license fees, gas, and insurance are factored in. Before purchasing a new car try to calculate these costs yourself with an online calculator like those found at Bankrate or Yahoo! Finance. - If you're looking for financing, it's important to know what your credit score is. The auto industry uses a ranking of 300-600 to determine which potential customers are qualified for loans and leases. Find out your credit score by going online to http://www.experian.com/ or by calling Experian at (888) 394-3742 . - Before making any kind of large purchase, such as a new car, it can be beneficial to look into government programs and manufacturer incentives that could cut down on the cost of purchasing new cars as well as extended warranties and maintenance plans. Also check out other consumer tips: http://moneytips.about.com/cs/automobiles/

- If you are purchasing a new car, make sure that you can afford to drive it. Don't be tempted by the "deal of the century" just because it is advertised in your local paper or on your favorite TV show; talk to friends, family members and neighbors before making a purchase. Once you have determined if you can truly afford this new purchase, then you can start looking for a used car that is affordable and reliable. You should at least have the necessary down payment money saved up in order to do so.

- Check out the car's safety ratings. You may be able to find a dealership that offers zero down payments for a car with excellent safety ratings!

- Going into an automobile dealership can be stressful for some people. To ensure that you have a positive experience, take your time and read all of the information presented by the salesperson and any signs posted along the way. Before you make your final decision, be sure to ask many questions so that you fully understand what you are agreeing to.

- Before signing any agreements, make sure that you read the fine print. Certain fees may be waived in the beginning but then added on later. If you don't realize this until after it's too late, you'll likely be stuck with hefty fees for things that other shoppers may have negotiated for free or at a cheaper rate.

- Start your search early. You don't have to wait until the day before your birthday or even six months before an anniversary to start shopping for a new car. As long as you have the time to do your research, you'll be able to find something that fits what you're looking for. 

- Reading review sites like CarPages is a great way to find reliable used cars at affordable prices. You can also save money by buying used cars that are still under their manufacturer's original warranty. If this seems too risky, try negotiating with the dealership to include a certified pre-owned warranty with your purchase.

- If you're buying a new car and want to trade in your previous vehicle, make sure that it is still in good running condition before trading it in for any kind of discount or rebate.

- Financing a car can be one of the most stressful parts of the entire car buying process. Try to find out your credit rating as early as possible and make sure to do your research so you can get the best possible deal.

- Get pre-approved for a loan before you go car shopping. If you have bad credit or no credit, consider getting approved for a loan through non-traditional means, such as borrowing money from family members or using a personal loan from your local bank or credit union (whichever is more convenient for you). This will ensure that you do not get stuck in any unexpected situations - like being unable to purchase the vehicle you want.

Conclusion

Since we started our car buying journey, the hardest part has been finding a reliable one that is affordable and with the best price. Like most of you, we had to make some sacrifices in order to purchase a reliable car that could handle the city's harsh winter weather and daily commutes. While there are many other things that can also be stressful when buying a new vehicle, this article will hopefully help you alleviate some of your stress and help you find the right one for you!

Have more money but no time? There are plenty of websites out there (like Carpages) where you can find prices on vehicles before going on a test drive so you can be sure you have enough money saved up to purchase your dream car.